Gemayel Urges Unity as Lebanon Enters Crucial Transitional Phase

Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel expressed hope that the electoral session would take place tomorrow, Thursday, in a natural manner, and that the country would unite to build the state and open a new page.

In an interview with LBCI, Gemayel emphasized that Lebanon is entering a transitional phase, hoping that everyone will grasp its significance and unite around Lebanon's best interests.

He confirmed that both the Kataeb Party and the Lebanese Forces are aligned, noting that the most important thing is for the two parties to stand together.

He added that both parties are fighting the battle together, discussing how to succeed in this exceptional time and how to handle the various scenarios.

Gemayel also pointed out that the number of MPs who have announced their support to General Joseph Aoun has reached approximately 79.

He hoped some obstacles would be resolved and that the opposing group will understand that Joseph Aoun was not its candidate but a point of convergence during times of crisis and vertical division. The army, he said, reassures all Lebanese because it is neutral.

He further added, "This is an exceptional phase. We are not in a state but in a jungle, where the strongest dictates the law in Lebanon."

In response to a question about Saudi, French, and American pressure to elect General Joseph Aoun, Gemayel said, "When Saudi Arabia, the US, Iran, Christian, Sunni, Shia, and Druze were backing General Michel Aoun, we stood against them, fully aware that this would lead to our political isolation. Today, Lebanon's interest lies in protecting it from Iranian influence and illegal weapons and safeguarding the country from Israeli occupation and the threat of the Syrian border."

He continued, "We need to rebuild Lebanon, open markets, and secure international support so we can protect Lebanon. We have long called for international support through the implementation of international resolutions, and now Saudi Arabia has come to help and support Lebanon."

"We are in an exceptional phase with both Israeli and Iranian occupations, which call for the protection of Lebanon. We attempted to elect a civilian president who would represent our aspirations, but the other group shut down the parliament. We suggested another name, but it rejected it as well. Lebanon is at a crossroads, facing an exceptional situation where Hezbollah's militia controls the weapons," Gemayel pointed out.

He added, "Our goal is not to defeat the other team. We are committed to ensuring that the Shia sect is a partner in building the future of Lebanon, as the country can only be built through collaboration among all. The army commander is a national figure who has gained the trust of the world through his experience. He has kept the military institution standing and engages with all sects, remaining neutral and not affiliated with any party."

He reminded that Hezbollah is part of the government, which voted on the ceasefire agreement, committing to resolutions 1701 and 1559 and the exclusivity of weapons.

Regarding the pressure faced by the opposition, Gemayel confirmed, "We, the opposition MPs, are free, and each of us has his convictions and choices. We decided to agree on one decision, and while some tried to pursue other options, in the end, we concluded that General Joseph Aoun was the only person to put the country on the right track. We decided to vote for General Joseph Aoun in all the sessions."

On the possibility that General Joseph Aoun might not secure 86 votes, he explained, "It is saddening that we have to wait for the international community to tell us what is in our best interest. We, as the Kataeb Party, have proven that our decision is independent, and no one pressures us or forces us to comply. One of the key examples of this was the period leading up to the election of Michel Aoun."

In response to a question about not running for the presidency, Gemayel indicated, "I did not put forward my candidacy because the circumstances are not favorable."

Regarding the results of the war with Israel, he stated, "I don't understand the logic of Hezbollah, which speaks of victory while losing its leaders and having its areas destroyed."

Regarding the relationship with the Lebanese Forces, he said, "The relationship with the Lebanese Forces went through a difficult phase due to differences over the option and the Maarab Agreement, which led to the election of Michel Aoun. However, things eventually returned to the right track. I hope the relationship will be based on national principles, mutual respect, and ongoing coordination, so we can benefit the country."

"I remind the Lebanese that we have the most beautiful country, and we can rise again, attract investments, and bring back the emigrants, as long as we are governed by the best people. I am optimistic and hope the transitional phases will be swift," Gemayel concluded.